Modeling Individual-level Heterogeneity in Research on Racial Residential Segregation

In this research, we aim to examine the relationships between residential choices of individuals and aggregation segregation patterns. Through agent-based modeling, we improve upon the Bruch and Mare model by introducing two additional features representing individual-level heterogeneity. First, we are interested in how segregation patterns can be shaped by a heterogeneous population. Second, we allow a more realistic feedback rule in predicting individuals’ migration behaviors. Such modifications to the assumptions should enable us to better address and evaluate the dynamics of residential segregation in the real world.